Mobile Device Accessory for Universal Test Strip Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Patients with chronic diseases need to carry multiple in-vitro diagnosis (IVD) devices due to the requirement of different test strips for various measurements, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device accessory that includes a mobile device adaptor and a test strip adaptor, allowing different types of test strips to be used with a single mobile device by aligning the test strip's reaction area with the device's camera and light source for image capture and analysis, eliminating the need for multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If patients use multiple standalone IVD devices for different test strip types, then measurement capability is improved, but device portability and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice portability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device accessory enables a single device to perform multiple IVD measurement functions by supporting different test strip types through interchangeable adaptors, making the device universal for various measurements while maintaining portability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory employs a nested structure where the test strip adaptor fits within the mobile device accessory housing, and the reaction area positioning mechanism is integrated within the adaptor, creating a compact nested arrangement that maintains portability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If patients carry multiple standalone IVD devices for different test strip types, then measurement versatility is improved, but the quantity of devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement versatilityVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device accessory serves as a universal platform that can accommodate different test strip types through interchangeable adaptors, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices while maintaining measurement versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functionality of multiple standalone IVD devices into a single mobile device accessory by integrating the light source, camera, and adaptable test strip interface into one unified system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If existing IVD systems use specific light sources and optical sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces traditional standalone IVD device optical systems with a mobile device-based optical system, using the mobile device's camera and light source instead of dedicated medical-grade optical components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory design uses universal components (mobile device camera and light source) that can serve multiple measurement functions across different test strip types, reducing the need for specialized complex optical systems for each measurement type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the use of various test strips with a single mobile device, reducing the burden on patients and improving convenience by allowing multiple IVD measurements without the need for multiple devices.

Implementation Method 1

specific light sources that illuminate on strips

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

the test strip's characteristics, such as electrical impedance or color, change according to the concentration of the targeted analyte

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectColor change detection: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentEP3596473B1Accessory for a mobile device to measure characteristics of a test strip
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 IXENSOR CO LTD
  • EP3596473B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3596473B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3596473B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Example apparatus are provided to measure characteristics of a test strip. The apparatus may include an accessory for a mobile device to measure characteristics of a test strip. The accessory may include a mobile device adaptor and a test strip adaptor. The mobile device adaptor may include a first sheath and a second sheath coupled to the first sheath to secure the mobile device. The test strip adaptor may be detachably coupled to the mobile device adapter. The test strip adaptor is configured to receive different types of test strips.